About FOIA

FOIA established a presumption that records of the Executive Branch of the United States government are accessible to the public. However, this was not always the policy regarding federal information disclosure. Before the FOIA in 1966, individuals had to prove their right to examine these government records.

When the FOIA passed, the burden of proof shifted from the individual to the government. In the past, the public was required to show a need for government information. FOIA replaced the “need to know” standard with the “right to know” standard.

Now, the government must justify its need for secrecy. The FOIA sets standards for determining which records must be made available to the public and which records can be withheld from disclosure. Additionally, if you are denied access to records, FOIA allows you to appeal that decision.

Above all, the statute requires federal agencies to provide as much information as possible to the public.